Playing the what if game

[Jason Boggs]

As a retired Correctional Officer of 23 years, I was taught to play the "what if game" and be prepared at all times. This thinking has drifted over to this What if list for different scenarios that may arise during a chase. Feel free to add to this list because I'm sure I missed something.

What if I have a flat?
* I have a spare that is in good condition and full of air
* My tire changing kit is in good condition, and all parts are there
* I have 2 cans of fix-a-flat
* I have multiple packs of tire plugs to get a flat fixed fast
* I have an air compressor to put air in a flat tire
* I have a flare and orange cones to help me be seen

What if my GPS malfunctions?
* I have back up detailed paper maps of ALL states I plan to chase in
* I have an ipad with several different mapping apps
* I have my cell phone with several different mapping apps

What if I have car trouble?
* I have tools to make minor repairs if I need to
* I have jumper cables and a battery box for a dead battery
* I have clear plastic and gorilla tape for busted out windows due to hail or other debris

What if my cell phone malfunctions?
* I have a ham radio to get up to the minute warnings via NWS
* I have an ipad to get radar data, etc

What if my cell phone charger malfunctions?
* I have 2 extra chargers at all times

What if I lose my pair of reading glasses? I'm 54 and they are important! lol
* I have 2 extra pairs at all times

What if my windshield/windows are dirty?
* I have new windshield wipers with a full reservoir of fluid
* I have windex window wipes

What if nature calls in the middle of nowhere?
* I have a full roll of TP and a bottle to urinate in if it's raining or lightning and I can't get out of the vehicle.

What if my ipad goes dead?
* I have an extra charger

What if I get hungry or thirsty out in the field?
* I carry a cooler with snacks and drinks

What if I get hurt?
I have multiple first aid kits for bleeding, broken bones, etc

What if I have car trouble or a flat at night?
* I have multiple flashlights with spare batteries along with a spotlight

What if I find myself stuck on a muddy road?
* I have a shovel to help dig myself out
* I have a general tow rope
* I have a recovery rope

What if I run out of gas?
* I don't carry extra gas. I absolutely keep a half tank at all times

What if I'm buying something and the card reader is down?
* I always carry some cash with me

What if I get caught in a hailstorm and my windshield start to shatter?
* I carry a pair of goggles to protect my eyes

What if I have an unexpected stay or get my clothes wet?
* I have an extra set of clothes and shoes at all times

What if outflow from a storm brings in chilly air?
* I have a medium weight jacket with me at all times

What if I need to assist someone on the side of the road?
* I carry a bright orange safety vest to be seen

What if I need to cut a hose, tape, etc?
* I carry a knife on me at all times along with a couple of extras in the vehicle.

What if my 12 volt power outlet in my vehicle malfunctions?
* I have 2 power banks to charge cell phone, etc

What if my radar app is going wonky for some unknown reason?
* I have 3 radar apps on my phone. MyRadar, Radarscope, and Radar Omega

What if there is a lot of smoke in the air if I'm covering fires?
* I have a pair of goggles and a box of N95 masks

What if I need to take a hail picture for the NWS or TV station?
* To compare sizes, I carry a quarter along with a ping pong ball, golf ball, tennis ball, baseball, and softball. Maybe after this year's record TX hailstone, I might need to carry a volleyball...lol

What if I need to make a quick report to the TV station or NWS?
* I have several different numbers on speed dial.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Jason, those are great. Here are a few I thought of:

What if my credit/debit card stops working (due to fraud or just expiring) or is lost?
* Have a second payment method already set up (a second card through another account, bank or service like Paypal, Apple Pay, etc)

What if hotels are booked for hours out?
* Have basic gear for comfortable vehicle sleep (blanket, pillow, window shades/blocks).

What of my camera's memory card fails or runs out of space?
* Carry backup drives and offload footage/photos to it each day
* Buy enough cards (they are cheap nowadays) and larger cards so you never have to overwrite/format a card on a long trip.
* Back up any valuable shots to online/cloud servers as soon as possible after capture

What if I get into a situation where I need to walk a long distance and/or on muddy roads?
* Carry (or wear) a pair of comfortable boots or shoes suitable for rough conditions.

 

[Todd Lemery]

Good stuff guys!

 

[JamesCaruso]

Excellent.

Another risk to add to the list is What if someone tries to rob you on the side of the road? I guess the only preparedness step there is to carry a firearm, but then you have to worry about the different states’ carry laws…

Unfortunately, some of these preparedness items are impractical for chase vacationers that fly to the Plains and rent vehicles. Easy enough to pack safety goggles, paper maps, extra chargers, etc. If money is not a concern, some things can be purchased out on the Plains and then just abandoned at the end of the trip. I do this every year with a cooler, and then give it to whoever is manning the front desk at the last hotel I stay at. Probably makes sense to start buying and disposing of certain other relatively-inexpensive things, like fix-a-flat. But for many other items, it’s not practical to travel with, or buy and dispose of annually - e.g., flares, jumper cables, air compressors, blankets, pillows and window shades, etc.

Curious to see how other chase vacationers would triage the lists above; what do you see as the greatest risks, worth the inconvenience of packing for a trip by plane, or buying and treating as a consumable each year?

 

[Ben Holcomb]

>but then you have to worry about the different states’ carry laws…
"The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed"

I have a list I keep updated on my website of the crap I carry with me. Items in my Storm Chase Vehicle - Ben Holcomb

 

[Jamie H]

Curious to see how other chase vacationers would triage the lists above; what do you see as the greatest risks, worth the inconvenience of packing for a trip by plane, or buying and treating as a consumable each year?

Mentally, I am prepared to bring from overseas/buy when I land the following:

- Paper maps
- Multiple devices with downloaded maps
- Reasonable water and food for 12-24 hours (would probably have water and longer life snacks anyway)
- First aid kit
- Shovel
- Bike/skate helmet
- Protective eyewear
- Waterproof clothing
- Hiking footwear
- Hi vis jacket
- Torch
- Power bank / small batteries for recharging

I would expect to have things like changes of clothing and temporary sleep set up anyway, as I will probably chase for 3-4 weeks and sightsee around weather days.

And as an aside, I would imagine the chances of being robbed roadside are incredibly small as to not even be a concern. And quite frankly, if someone wants my devices they can have them. Waving a weapon at someone who is possibly already dangerous wouldn't make me safer!

 

[Warren Faidley]

I also have copies of camera screen icons on my phone so I can reference them in the event some weird icon pops up that I don't recall.
A bottle of Jameson Black Label in the lock box for snake bites and emergency antifreeze. (Not while driving).
I always fire off a few frames of each camera in the AM to make sure everything works.
I test fly the drone.
Snake tongs for removing snakes from the road. (And putting them in Jason's truck).
Check tires at night and in the AM for nails (the sooner you know, the sooner they can be fixed).
A jack plate for supporting the jack in mud. (Example: Amazon AME INTL 12" x 12" x 1")
Heavy-duty, wide, crystal clear packing tape for temporary repair of windshield damage.

 

[Sean Ramsey]

After doing S&R after the Matador tornado the year before last I came back to my vehicle with two flat tires at 11pm at night. (Not fun). Though I was usually prepared most days it was late season and I let my guard down.

I now carry:

Case of water
Food to last at least one day
Tow strap with hooks
Tire inflator (24v)
Tire repair kit
2 screwdrivers (One flat head, one phillips)
Ratchet and socket set
Pliers
Portable garage jack
Jumper cables
Blanket

And still feel underprepared. Funny what age does to you.

 

[John Farley]

I guess I am a lot less prepared than a lot of you. But I do have AAA, which can go a long way as long as you can get a phone signal to call them. And sometimes on chases I stay at Holiday Inn Express ;-)

 

[Drew Terril]

I always keep what I refer to as a "sustainment pack" with me at all times, whether I'm chasing or not. I even bring it to work with me. In it, I keep a basic medkit, some MREs, a Katadyn water filter, a season appropriate sleeping bag, and some other odds and ends (like baby wipes). Much of that mirrors what I kept in my rucksack when I was in the field while I was serving in the military. I also keep some basic items on my person at all times as well. For example, rather than dig into my pack for a tourniquet, I always keep at least one in a pocket. That said, just as important as having those items is staying current on how to use it. Skills are perishable. I practice filtering water out of the creek at my FIL's land regularly so I'm not fumbling around like an idiot if I need to use it in a pressure situation. From a personal protection standpoint, I also practice with my EDC regularly too, in all weather conditions.

In each of my vehicles, I carry spare fluids, belts, and a number of spare parts. CV axles, tie rods, alternator, etc, in addition to enough hand tools to be able to handle it on the side of the road if need be. I also keep a floor jack in each vehicle as well. My chase truck also doubles as my overland vehicle, so I also have a winch on it, which really comes in handy for moving a downed tree out of the road. I also carry recovery straps as well. I've done enough trail side repairs while overlanding, particularly with suspension parts, to have a good deal of practice of making critical repairs in less than ideal conditions. While it's good to have items like that when chasing, getting used to having it during every day life and staying in practice on how to use it is just as important. I've integrated all of that into my daily lifestyle to where much of that has become second nature to me.